Set in Nevada in the 1860's, Bonanza chronicled the adventures of the Cartwright family who owned a large ranch called The Ponderosa. Ben Cartwright and his three sons, Adam, Hoss, and Joe fought for what was just and decent in a time where lawlessness was common.

The widowed patriarch Ben Cartwright had three sons, each by a different wife: the oldest was the urbane architect Adam Cartwright, who built the ranch house. The second was the warm and lovable giant Eric, better known by his nickname "Hoss." And the youngest was the hotheaded and impetuous Joseph or "Little Joe." They all lived and worked on The Ponderosa. Nearby Virginia City helped populate the episodes with guest starring characters from all over America.

Broadcast between September 1959 and January 1973. Filmed by the National Broadcasting Company at Paramount Studios.


"The Courtship"
Season 2
Episode 16
Ben sends Hoss and Joe to Sacremento to check on the widow of an old friend of Ben's. Hoss finds himself falling in love with the widow - Helen Layton and decides to bring her back to the Ponderosa. He intends to marry her, unaware of her true nature. When Adam returns, he informs both Ben and Joe about what really happened with her late husband. The three Cartwrights must decide how to break the news to Hoss without breaking his heart.